MI'KMAQ - Abstract of a Master's Thesis - Eleanor V. Johnson

Sep 10, 2026

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Mi'kmaq tribal consciousness is presented as an inherent, enduring adaptation trait that enables the Mi'kmaq people to face adversity and endure into the twentieth century without drastic changes to worldview. The thesis grounds this capacity in tribal values and norms expressed in everyday life, including esteem for elders, sharing and cooperation, and respect for people and nature. It explains that understanding the Mi'kmaq world view requires discourse through the Mi'kmaq language and that knowledge authority comes from Mi'kmaq elders in Unam'kik.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

ABSTRACT

Mi'kmaq tribal consciousness

Language, authority, and sources

Mi'kmaq Eleanor V.Johnson Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies Saint Mary's University Copyright by Eleanor V.johnson,1992April 27.1992 Sign.atucs of I vaninig(omnite:一2XW,]u~2u上 Bnte na7(uC 1 ,1物 Mit中pi 1N. ) R¹4 The author has granted anirrevocable non-exclusive licenceallowing the National Library ofCanada to reproduce,loan,distribute or sell copies ofhis/her thesis by any means andin any form or format,makingthis thesis available to Interestedpersons, The author retains ownership ofthe copyright in his/her thesis.Neither the thesis nor substantialextracts from it may be printed orotherwise reproduced withouthis/her permission. ISBN 0-315-90959-5 Natonal1由：3y of Canac ACqustons andBniograpłuc Szrvrces Branch 39S Welngn Sie (wa.Drato 机TA0N4 Drectm des acnuvSdks servcts tuxa aA, L'auteur a accorde une licenceIrrévocable et non exclusivepermettant à la Bibliothequenationale du Canada dereproduire,prater,distribuer ouvendre des oples de sa thesede quelque manière et sousquelque forme que ce soit pourmettre des exemplaires de cettethese a la disposition despersonnes intéressees. L'auteur conserve la propriéte dudroit d'auteur qui protege sathèse.Ni la these ni des extraitssubstantiels de celle-ci nedoivent etre imprimés ouautrement reproduits sans sonautorisation. Mi'kmaq # ABSTRACT of a Master's Thesis titied MI'KMAQ byEleanor V.Johnson Submitted to theAtlantic Canada Studies Programme 27 April 1992 Abstract prepared by Dr.Harold McGeeAnthropology DepartmentSaint Mary's University31 May 1994 ABSTRACT·MI'KMAQ·Eleanor V.Johnson·27April 1992Prepared by Dr Harold McGee Nute:This Abstract is based upor an English language proposal for the thesisprepared by Eleanor V.Johnson on 6 November 1990 and upon oral materialspresented during the defence of the thesis in April of1992.The wording is Ms.Johnson's unless indrcated by the use of brackets, Mikmaq tribal consciousness is an inherent trait of the Mikmaq people to adaptant to survive in the twentieth century.The Mikmaq have in their tribal makeup anunique ability to face adversity and endure with no drastic changes to their world view.This unique ability slems from the values and norms the M'kmaq express and achereto in ew ryday existence. Esteem for elders,sharng and cooperation,respect for man and nature were theinherent qualilies of tribal consciousness,and they are still tne prevalert characteristicsof the Mi'kmaq Nation today [Non-Mi'kmaq scholars have inadequately explored andreported upon the concept of tribal consciousness It is the aim of this thesis to presentihe fundamentals of this tribal consciousness as an enduring paradigm for living that isstillemployed by the Mi'kmaq people.] [Because much of the essence of a cuiture is to be found in its language,thisthesis is witlen in Mi'kmaq.English is an object-oriented ianguage where nounspredominate in speech On the other hand,Mi'kmaq is verb-oriented and emphasizesrelationships,and states of being,rather than things.Therefore,to fully understandMi'kmaq world view,the language of discourse must be Mikmaq.Also,the sources ofauthority for the knowledge presented here are the elders of the Mikmaq nation wholive in the district of Unam'kik(Cape Breton).As a consequence,interviews fom thecore of resource materials.] [The topics discussed in the thesis cover topics of govemance,famiły life,beliefsystems,economy,medicine,science,and leisure activities.However,these topics arenot isolaled as they must be in English discourse,but are integrated inio a singlenarrative,as they should be in Mikmaq.Iurge the non-Mi'kmaq person tb leam mylanguage so that I can share this knowiedge with you in a meaningful manner.] Muk eyknuk Nikani sikaslkewew.Kisiku'k teluej m!nutank.Eleanor V.Johns11 Mi'kmaq April 27.1992 Kis I'uiknek te'sik1Se't A'newimkl pemiaql mi'soqo wiawi'katikn kisi mawi wi'km.Kjikeptin Alexander Denny etlinsltuapukuep Potlotek ta'n tewji

FAQs

What does the abstract say about Mi'kmaq tribal consciousness?

It describes tribal consciousness as an inherent trait that helps the Mi'kmaq people adapt and survive into the twentieth century by enduring adversity without drastic changes to their worldview.

Which values are presented as the foundation of tribal consciousness?

Esteem for elders, sharing and cooperation, and respect for people and nature are identified as inherent qualities expressed in everyday life.

Why is the thesis written in Mi'kmaq, according to the abstract?

Because much of the essence of a culture is found in its language, and full understanding of the Mi'kmaq world view requires Mi'kmaq language discourse rather than English.

Sep 10, 2026

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